A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday during a routine training flight, according to reports from Yonhap news agency, citing information from a military source. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the U.S. Air Force base in Gunsan.
The pilot managed to eject from the aircraft safely, as confirmed by the same military source. However, South Korea’s defense ministry spokesman was unable to immediately verify the report or provide additional details about the crash.
Efforts to reach U.S. military officials in South Korea for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the crash site, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. Local authorities are working in coordination with U.S. military personnel to secure the area and assess any potential risks.
The U.S. Department of Defense is expected to release an official statement as more information becomes available. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with military training exercises and the importance of ongoing safety measures to prevent such occurrences.
Residents in the vicinity of the crash site are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow any safety instructions provided by local authorities.